Multiple Straw Fluid Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A multiple straw fluid dispenser is disclosed including a cap assembly containing two or more straws, each of the straws are accessible to one or more users for the purpose of drinking one or more fluids. Each straw includes a back flow prevention means allowing users to drink a fluid or fluids independent of other users and or other fluids. The fluid dispenser may be used in a conjunction with a multiple compartment fluid storage container or a single compartment storage container.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to straws for drinking fluid and, in particular, to a unique drinking system which permits the flow of fluids from a centralized container by multiple users simultaneously or individually. Previous straw/container systems have included beverage containers with extendable drinking straws and straw accessible compartment containers. However, these are limited in that they do not involve an integral multi-straw device with the ability to permit fluid consumption by two or more individuals without the effects of cross contamination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a multiple straw fluid dispenser with the ability to permit fluid dispensing to multiple users simultaneously.

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a multiple straw fluid dispenser with straws that provide backwash protection allowing multiple users to dispense fluids independent of cross contamination.

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a multiple straw fluid dispenser that is configurable for specific users within a group of users.

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a multiple straw fluid dispenser that can dispense multiple fluids to one or more users.

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a multiple straw fluid dispenser that can advertise one or more fluids to one or more users while the one or more users are in the act of consuming the one or more fluids.

It has been recognized that the amount of carbonation lost from a carbonated fluid before consumption would be less if the fluid was consumed directly from a given storage container (e.g., two liter soda bottle) rather than being poured first into a separate container. This invention enables groups of people to share a fluid or fluids from a single container without worry of cross contamination (e.g., a family or roommates).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a fluid dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a top view of a fluid dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT(S) Description

As illustrated in FIG. 1, fluid dispenser (100) includes a fluid container (101), a cap assembly (102), fluid dispensing straws (103 a-e), a straw pivot (104), an optional container fluid access port (105), straw elements (106), back flow prevention means (107), and fluid (110).

Fluid container (101) may be any type of container including but not limited to: a glass, cup, mug, bottle, soda bottle, beer bottle, wine bottle, mass fluid storage container, etc or any other known fluid storage container found in the art of fluid dispensing apparatus. Fluid container (101) may have an optional pressure vent (not shown) connected at or near the top of fluid container (101) to prevent excess pressure build up within fluid container (101). Fluid container (101) may also have distinct and separate compartments within the container for holding separate and dispensing different types or kinds fluids (not shown). Fluid container (101) may also have a fluid access port or ports directly connected to the exterior of the container for filling and/or refilling a compartment or compartments with similar or differing fluids. Fluid container (101) may be a disposable container or a more permanent washable/microwaveable container.

Cap assembly (102) may be any type of lid, cap, or top covering which screws, snaps, or is held on by gravity. Cap assembly (102) includes two or more distinct fluid dispensing straws (103 a-103 e) which are connected to a cap assembly (102). Fluid dispensing straws (103 a-e) are represented as five straws for illustration, but the present invention may be configured with any number of straws greater than one. The straws (103 a-e) may also be coded with indicia to represent a specific user for a specific straw and/or a specific drink or type of drink. The indicia may include but is not limited to: color, markings, letters, insignias, shapes, pictures, etc., or any other type of indicia markings known in the art of indicia markings. Each straw (103 a-e) is connected to cap assembly (102) by a straw pivot (104). Straws (103 a-e) may be disposable or reusable. Straw pivot (104) is used to pivot straws (103 a-e) in an up and down motion shown in contrast by Straws (103 b and 103 d). The pivotal positions made by pivoting straws (103 a-e) may be used to open and close a through passage from a user to fluid (110) and/or may be used to vent excess pressure from container (101) as a straw (103 a-e) moves straw pivot (104) into a dispensing position. The excess pressure may be vented around the pivoting areas of straw pivot (104) and not directly through straws (103 a-e). Optional fluid access port (105) may serve four distinct purposes: a port for filling and refilling fluid container (101), a port for dispensing fluid from fluid container (101) independent of straws (103 a-e), a pressure relief/control valve for regulating and controlling pressure within fluid container (101), and holding an indicia advertising plug (201) which contains indicia related to a specific drink (such as a beer) or place (such as restaurant), covering the optional fluid access port (105). Cap assembly (102) may include an optional handle. The handle would make it easier to pour or drink from a two litter bottle of fluid. The handle might replace a straw element in its position. The handle may be removable and connect at and replace a position of a straw element.

As an option in design, a straw position may be replaced by a handle (not shown) which would facilitate consumption from a larger container (e.g., two liter soda bottle) that might otherwise be difficult to maneuver with one hand.

Straw elements (106) are individual straw elements with the function of delivering fluid to straws (103 a-e). Each of straw elements (106) has a first end and a second end. The first end of each straw element is connected to cap assembly (102) and the second end of each straw element (106) is disposed in one or more fluids in fluid container (101). Straw elements (106) would optimally include the same number of straw elements as there are straws (103 a-e). In a configuration using a fluid container with multiple compartments flexible straw elements (106) may be configured to be placed in each respective compartment relative to the fluid dispensing requirements to each straw (103 a-e).

Back flow prevention means (107) functions to keep fluid (110) that has been sucked into straws (103 a-e) from returning into fluid container (101). Back flow prevention means (107) may be any known back flow prevention means known in the art including but not limited to: a ball valve, a compliant valve, a spring valve, a pressure actuated nozzle valve, a rubber flap memory valve, etc., or any other back flow method or device known in the art. Back flow prevention means (107) may be located in straws (103 a-e), and/or in cap (102), and/or in straw elements (106).

Fluid (110) may be any consumable fluid including but not limited to: soda, pop, beer, alcohol, wine, etc., or any other consumable fluid. Fluid (110) may also include multiple fluids within container (101) when multiple compartments are present.

FIG. 2, is a top view of fluid dispenser (100) showing five straws inserted into cap assembly (102). An indicia advertising plug (201) is shown advertising a beer company. The indicia advertising plug (201) is covering optional fluid access port (105). Indicia advertising plug (201) may carry indicia relating to the type of drink or drinks in the container, the location of the table being served, the number of people at the table, different types of drinks that are in a single container, a barcode related to a type of drink or types of drinks that are in the container, and payment status of the tab related to the container

By way of example, a group of users (such as a group of friends going out to a pub) may decide to order a bulk drink in order to save money. The waitress provides disposable color-coded straws for each member in the party and a large bottle of wine with a multiple straw dispenser. The users each insert their straws into the cap assembly (102) and drink without worry of cross contamination. The pub saves money because only the cap assembly needs to be washed and transported to the kitchen and the users save money because of the bulk purchase rate of the drink. When the bottle needs refilled a waitress comes by with a pressurized container and removes the advertising plug and refills the bottle.

Another example, is a group of friends at a party playing a game where a loser is required to take a drink of an alcoholic beverage. A game may also include drinking out of a specific colored straw as dictated by game outcomes. Specific straws may have different fluid volume capacities depending on orifice sizing in the cap assembly (102) or in the back flow prevention means (107). Additionally, different straws may dispense different fluids when a container with multiple compartments is used.

Another example, is a family that ordered a pizza and a two liter of soda. A person in the family installs the cap assembly (102) on to the two liter bottle and each member of the family has his or her own, hard plastic, colored straw (103 a-e) for inserting into cap assembly (102).

Another example, is a family that is sharing a two liter of soda kept in the family refrigerator. When the soda is first placed in the refrigerator the cap can be placed on the two liter bottle. Each family member would know their designated straw and could consume the soda without fear of contamination and without the hassle of pouring the soda into a glass first. In this situation, it is felt that the design option with a handle (not shown) would be particularly advantageous.

Another example, is a single user wants to drink two or more different fluids (not shown in the drawings) with a single multiple straw fluid dispenser (100). Cap assembly (102) is placed on a container (101) which has two or more distinct internal compartments filled with different fluids (not shown). Straw elements (106) are placed distinctively in respective compartments to achieve an outcome desired by the user and the user sucks a desired fluid through the respective straw (103 a-e) that pertains to the desired fluid.

Another example, is a nursing home patient that is on a liquid diet. A container with three partitioned sections is provided with a straw element (106) in each section. One section contains ensure (not highly liked by the patient), another section has water, and the other section contains prune juice. The patient loves prune juice but the CNA has informed the nurse not to give the patient too much prune juice and the doctor has called for more ensure. The nurse starts the patient out on prune juice and then with a quick turn of the container changes the patient over to ensure. It takes the patient an few seconds to realize what has happened and the prune juice is quickly restored to keep the patient happy. This method of administration may help the elderly take in more liquid foods.

Another example, is a family that goes out for dinner and the father want to drink beer, the mother wants a cola, and the son wants some orange juice. A container with three compartments is provided with beer in one section, cola in another section and orange juice in another. An eight straw fluid dispenser is provided. The father's straws are black, the mother's are red and the son's are white. The father has three straws with one straw element in each fluid type. The Mother has three straws with one straw element in each fluid type. The son has two straws with one straw element in orange juice and one in cola. The family may share all drinks with exception of the son not drinking beer. The straws may also have writing in addition to the colors designating the type of drink and/or alcoholic beverage. In the event the family leaves without purchasing the container, the restaurant may decide to reuse any leftover beer, orange juice, and/or cola in the container.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below. 

1. A multiple straw fluid dispenser comprising: a cap assembly containing two or more straws, each of said two or more straws accessible to one or more users for the purpose of drinking one or more fluids; two or more straw elements, each of said two or more straw elements having a first end and a second end, wherein each of said two or more straw elements first ends are connected to said cap assembly and each of said two or more straw elements second ends are disposed in one or more fluids; and a back flow prevention means located within said cap assembly or within said two or more straw elements or within said two or more straws.
 2. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 1 further comprising an indicial advertising plug connected to said cap assembly, wherein said indicia advertising plug is within direct eye sight of said one or more users while said one or more users is drinking said one or more fluids through one or more of said two or more straws.
 3. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 2 further comprising a container for storing said one or more fluids.
 4. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 3 wherein said container is partitioned for storing said one or more fluids.
 5. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 4 wherein said two or more straws are removable from said cap assembly.
 6. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 5 wherein said two or more straws have indicial markings relating to both said one or more fluids and said one or more users.
 7. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 5 wherein said two or more straws are disposable and flexible.
 8. A multiple straw fluid dispenser comprising: a cap assembly containing two or more straws, each of said two or more straws accessible to one or more users for the purpose of drinking one or more fluids; two or more straw elements, wherein each of said two or more straw elements has a first end and a second end, wherein each of said two or more straw elements first ends are connected to said cap assembly and each of said two or more straw elements second ends are disposed in one or more fluids; a back flow prevention means located within said cap assembly or within said two or more straw elements or within said two or more straws; and an indicial advertising plug connected to said cap assembly, wherein said indicial advertising plug is within direct eye sight of said one or more users while said one or more users is drinking said one or more fluids through one or more of said two or more straws.
 9. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 8 further comprising a container for storing said one or more fluids.
 10. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 9 wherein said container is partitioned for storing said one or more fluids.
 11. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 10 wherein said two or more straws are removable from said cap assembly.
 12. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 11 wherein said two or more straws have indicial markings relating to both said one or more fluids and said one or more users.
 13. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 11 wherein said two or more straws are disposable and flexible.
 14. A multiple straw fluid dispenser comprising: a container with two or more internal compartments for storing dispensable fluids; one or more straw elements disposed in each of said container compartments; a cap assembly in direct contact with said container and with said one or more straw elements disposed in each of said container compartments; and one or more straws attached to said cap assembly.
 15. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 14 wherein a back flow prevention means is attached to each of said one or more straw elements.
 16. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 14 wherein a back flow prevention means is attached said cap assembly.
 17. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 14 wherein a back flow prevention means is attached to each of said one or more straws.
 18. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 14 further comprising a handle attached to said cap assembly.
 19. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 14 further comprising an indicial advertising plug attached to said cap assembly.
 20. The multiple straw fluid dispenser of claim 19 wherein said indicial advertising plug contains one or more barcodes representing said dispensable fluids in said two or more internal compartments. 